Mexican-American Studies, B.A.

The Department of Chicano Studies offers a comprehensive analysis and review of the nation’s most substantial ethnic populace. The department has designed a multidiscipline orientation to this field, incorporating literature, history, social sciences, education, politics, popular culture, social media, immigration, public health, social policy, and social justice which have influenced both the Chicana/o and Latina/o community, as well as US society. The curriculum will acquaint students with a broad range of knowledge within this field and, in addition, will offer theoretical perspectives specific to this arena of academic research. The department links a myriad of influences within the Chicana/o and Latina/o communities, the dynamic demographic transformation of this social sector, the historic role of immigration in the Southwest, social justice, and the impact of digital technologies.

Chicano Studies offers a conventional academic approach toward professional preparation and/or graduate education in careers in social and/or public policy, business, teaching, law and a broad range of other professions.

The department is strategically located in the Los Angeles region which offers students a vibrant range of research, community engagement, and field study opportunities during their B.A. experience.

The program includes a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mexican-American Studies, a minor in Chicano Studies, and a Masters of Arts degree in Mexican-American Studies. The department also offers minors in Central American Studies and Mesoamerican Studies.
The total number of units for the Bachelor of Arts Degree in Mexican-American Studies is 120 units.
The Bachelor of Arts degree is available in two options. Option I, the General Program, is intended for students interested in a liberal arts education, with special attention in the Chicana/o and Latina/o experience. Option II, The Elementary Subject Matter Teacher Preparation Option, is designed specifically for students interested in teaching in the elementary school by providing them with a broad-based education in multiple subjects that prepares them for the California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET).

Requirements for the Major (48-128 units)

Option I, the General Program, requires a total of 48 units in the major, of which 15 are in lower division (12 of which can be double-counted for major requirements with advisor approval) and 33 are in upper division courses. Students seeking to combine the study of Chicana/o and Latina/o communities with elementary subject matter can satisfy both goals by following Option II, The Elementary Subject Matter Teacher Preparation Option. Option II requires completion of 39 units of General Education at the lower division and 9 units at the upper division. It also requires 45 units in the major with the remaining 37 units as recommended electives for preparation for the CSET examination. Students who pass the CSET exam will have the option of taking other coursework. All options are designed for students to complete the undergraduate degree program simultaneously with requirements for either a California Multiple Subject Teaching or Special Education Internship Credential.

Particular requirements and restrictions apply to candidates for teaching. Therefore, early consultation with an advisor is essential. Refer to The Charter College of Education section in the Academic Programs: College-Based and University-Wide chapter of this catalog for regulations governing all teaching credential programs. Each Chicano Studies program candidate must meet certain requirements prior to being conditionally admitted to the teacher credential program. In addition to those listed below, the candidates must also demonstrate personality and character traits that satisfy the standards of teaching by the teacher education faculty of the campus, as evidenced in the Philosophy of Education statements and letters of recommendation.

Upper Division Electives (18 units)

Two electives from the 3000 series and four electives from the 4000 series. All majors are required to complete a minimum of one course in each of the three clusters: Popular Culture and Literature, Social Policy, Politics and History.

Option II prepares prospective teachers for grades K-8. Since passing the California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET) is a prerequisite for a teaching credential, students in Option II are expected to prepare for and take the three portions of the CSET: Multiple Subjects at their earliest convenience and report their results to a Liberal Studies advisor. Based on the CSET results and students’ previous coursework, advisors will recommend directed elective courses to help students prepare for any sections of the CSET that have not been passed. A grade of C or higher is required in all courses used to meet the major requirements for the Elementary Subject Matter Teacher Preparation Option.

Students who select Option II must complete the following coursework for a total of 120 units: 48 units of general education requirements (12 of which can be double-counted for major requirements with advisor approval), 15 units of lower division Chicano Studies courses, 15 units of required upper division courses in Chicano Studies, 18 units of upper division electives (provided the CSET has been passed). If the CSET has not been passed, students will need to take up to 12 units in Directed Electives selected from advisor recommended Elementary Subject Matter courses - listed below.

Upper Division Electives (18 units)

Two electives from the 3000 series and four electives from the 4000 series. All majors are required to complete a minimum of one course in each of the three clusters: Popular Culture and Literature, Social Policy, Politics and History.

Directed Electives (12 units)

Students in Option II must complete 12 units of directed electives. If a student has not passed all sections of the Multiple Subjects CSET, with major advisor approval, these electives must be selected from the list of Elementary Subject Matter courses or from other appropriate courses (see below; the full course list is available in the Chicano Studies department). If a student has passed all sections of the CSET examination, then, with major advisor approval, these electives may be taken in one or more depth areas.

1. Reading, Language and Literature; History and Social Science (CSET Subtest I)
With major advisor approval, students take courses in the following departments and subjects:
History and Chicano Studies: California History and World History
English: Linguistics and Children’s Literature

2. Science and Mathematics (CSET Subtest II)
With major advisor approval, students take courses in the following departments and subjects:
Mathematics: the Math for Elementary and Middle School Teachers sequence
Biology: Life Science for Elementary Teachers
Natural Science: Physical Science for Elementary Teachers, Earth and Space Science for Elementary Teachers

3. Physical Education, Human Development, Visual and Performing Arts (CSET Subtest III)
With major advisor approval, students take courses in the following departments and subjects:
Art: Elementary Classroom Art
Music, Theatre, and Dance: Elementary Classroom Music, Drama, and Dance
Kinesiology: Development of Physical Activity
Child Development or Sociology: Childhood and Adolescence
Public Health: Health Education for Elementary Teachers

4. Multiple Subjects CSET Review Course
With major advisor approval, students take courses in the following departments and subjects:
Education: CSET review

Option III. Elementary Subject Matter Teacher Preparation: Integrated Option (120-128 units, of which 48 units are in the major, 39 units are in GE, 32-41 units are in an approved CSULA credential program, and 1 unit is a free elective, if needed)

Like Option II, Option III prepares prospective teachers for grades K-8. However, students in Option III can also complete requirements for a Multiple Subjects or Education Specialist Credential as a part of completing their Bachelor of Arts degree in Chicano Studies. Students must meet minimum requirements for a Multiple Subjects or Education Specialist credential in order to complete this option. Students should meet with a Chicano Studies major advisor to discuss the appropriate time to apply to the credential of choice. Refer to the Charter College of Education section of this catalog for regulations, admissions requirements, and coursework related to the Multiple Subjects and Education Specialist credentials.

Since passing the California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET) is a prerequisite for a teaching credential, students in Option III are expected to prepare for and take the three portions of the CSET: Multiple Subjects at their earliest convenience and report their results to a Chicano Studies advisor. Based on the CSET results and students’ previous coursework, advisors will recommend directed elective courses to help students prepare for any sections of the CSET that have not been passed. With the approval of a Chicano Studies advisor, students who pass all sections of the CSET can count credential coursework toward the directed electives requirement. A grade of C or higher is required in all courses used to meet the major requirements for this option.

Students who select Option III must complete the following coursework for a total of 120-128 units: 48 units of general education requirements (12 of which can be double-counted for major requirements with advisor approval), 15 units of lower division Chicano Studies courses, 15 units of required upper division courses in Chicano Studies, 18 units of upper division electives (provided the CSET has been passed), if the CSET has not been passed, students will need to take up to 12 units in Directed Electives selected from advisor recommended Elementary Subject Matter courses, 33-41 units of credential courses (some of which can be double-counted as directed electives if all sections of the Multiple Subjects CSET are passed), and 1 unit of free elective, if needed.

Upper Division Electives (18 units)

Two electives from the 3000 series and four electives from the 4000 series. All majors are required to complete a minimum of one course in each of the three clusters: Popular Culture and Literature, Social Policy, Politics and History.

Directed Electives (12 units)

Students in Option III must complete 12 units of directed electives. If a student has not passed all sections of the Multiple Subjects CSET, with major advisor approval, these electives must be selected from the list of Elementary Subject Matter courses or from other appropriate courses (see Option II; the full course list is available in the Chicano Studies department). If a student has passed all sections of the CSET Multiple Subjects, then, with major advisor approval, credential courses may be counted for this requirement.

Elective (0-1 unit)

If needed, students complete 1 unit of free elective to meet the 120 unit minimum for graduation.

Credential (32-41 units)

Students in Option III must complete 32 to 41 units of coursework in one of the following Multiple Subject or Education Specialist credentials.

Preliminary Admission to a Teaching Credential Program

Requirements for undergraduate preliminary admission to credential programs include the following:

• Junior standing
• Completion of Charter College of Education application materials, including any fees
• A minimum grade point average of 2.67 in all undergraduate coursework attempted
• Official transcripts from all colleges attended
• Proof of a negative TB test current within the last 12 months
• Proficiency with technology
• Strong and supportive letters of recommendation
• A well written and meaningful Philosophy of Education Statement
• Background clearance from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing
• Proof that all sections of the Multiple Subject CBEST examination have been attempted

Teaching Credential Preparation

A minimum GPA of 2.67 in all undergraduate coursework and completion of all application requirements are prerequisite to enrollment in EDCI 4000 or EDSP 4001. An overall 3.0 GPA must be maintained in all professional education courses with a minimum grade of “C” in each course. Students should see an advisor regarding completion of the degree and other credential requirements.

Select one of the following:

A. Elementary Education (For a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential)

Completion of this course of study, completion of the California Multiple Subject Teacher Preparation Assessments, and passage of the CSET Multiple Subjects qualifies students for a preliminary Multiple Subject credential. Students must pass the CSET Multiple Subjects prior to enrollment in EDCI 4830 and EDCI 4831.

Electives (24 units)

Students must satisfy GE Oral Communication (3) or the Speech Proficiency Assessment for Teachers (1) and the Writing Proficiency Examination (0) or an acceptable alternative by petition before enrolling in the following courses.

B. Special Education (Eligibility for an Education Specialist Internship Credential)

Completion of this course of study and passage of the CSET qualifies students for an internship credential with verification of employment from a cooperating school district. For a Preliminary Education Specialist Credential, students must complete the additional post-baccalaureate credential coursework and directed teaching in their area of specialization (i.e., Mild/Moderate Disabilities, Moderate/Severe Disabilities, Physical and Health Impairments or Visual Impairment and Blindness).

Internship Emphasis: Specialization (7 units)

Complete 7 units of appropriate course work in the selected area of specialization. Students must pass all sections of the CBEST and apply for directed teaching by the second week of the semester prior to enrollment in their first directed teaching experience.

Visual Impairment and Blindness

Note: Upon completion of the undergraduate program in Chicano Studies, Education Specialist Internship Credential candidates must rematriculate as post-baccalaureate or graduate students and complete the final requirements for their credential, including an additional Directed Teaching experience. A written plan outlining additional requirements will be prepared while enrolled in EDUC 4001.